Cancer rate probe near toxic dump ‘likely’

AN INVESTIGATION into cancer rates in the area affected by the Haulbowline pollution crisis is likely, Environment Minister John Gormley has told TDs.

Under fire for his handling of the Cork harbour health scare, the Green minister said he would press for such a move at cabinet after fears raised by opposition parties.

Fine Gael TD David Stanton raised the spectre of high cancer levels in the area. “Is the minister aware of the National Cancer Registry report which indicates that when rates for the Cobh urban area were compared to Ireland at large, incidence of cancer in Cobh was 44% higher than what might have been expected?